Know Before You Go

Madison is famous for its ease of access and active outdoor lifestyle, no matter the season. Since 2015, we have continuously been recertified as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Visitors can explore downtown and expansive trails around the city by renting one of 500 e-bikes from 80 BCycle stations conveniently located near downtown hotspots and convention centers. 

In 2024, Madison was ranked the 2nd safest city for pedestrians out of the largest 101 metropolitan areas across America. Since 2021, we've been recognized as a Gold “Walk Friendly” Community. Your meeting attendees will love having easy access to the Lake Monona waterfront trail, State St. pedestrian mall area, nearby hiking trails and state parks.

Active transportation isn’t for everyone. So Madison has a variety of other transportation options. Catch a taxi, rapid-transit metro bus, Lyft or Uber for simple navigation.

And as the #1 Most Neighborly City and #1 Most Courteous City in the State, you'll experience the abundant hospitality and kindness of our community.

We have four seasons, each with their own unique requirements. Visit the Wisconsin State Climatology Office's website for daily and annual climate information, including climate normals and precipitation and snow averages.

Spring is a breezy time with a freshness to the air. Temperatures are most volatile this time of year, so it’s crucial to bring layers. A light sweater, jacket or cardigan will keep you covered in the brisk mornings and evenings, while still allowing you to enjoy the warm afternoons. A winter chill may extend into earlier spring months, so check the upcoming weather forecasts so you know what to expect.

Summer is a lively time. Lake life takes hold, and the sun provides plenty of warmth, though at times it can be quite humid. Summer attire including blouses, tanks, skirts, dresses, shirts, chinos and sandals are perfect. If spending time outdoors, bring a rain jacket, comfortable shoes, bug spray and sunscreen.

Fall is an exciting time. Changing leaves and Badger game days offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crisp autumn air. Temperatures tend to be comfortable, but a bit chilly. We suggest wearing transitional outfits and layering so you can adjust as necessary.

Winter doesn’t slow us down. We bike, snowshoe and celebrate the season no matter the cold. It is a cold season, so we advise you to pack a warm coat, hat, scarf and mittens. Madison gets a fair amount of snow, so a pair of waterproof boots are essential to all-day comfort. Check out the city's website for winter safety tips.

View the downtown daily and monthly weather forecasts here.

Madison has some fun quirks to be aware of before you come:

• Madison is one of only two major cities in the U.S. built on an isthmus.
• Madison has five lakes and 6,000 acres of parkland. Madison leads the nation with 11.6 parks — 282 in all — per 10,000 residents.
• Our official city bird is the plastic pink flamingo — an homage to a 1979 prank in which students filled Bascom Hill with more than 1,000 of the birds overnight.
• The City of Madison is named after James Madison — the fourth U.S. president — and many downtown streets are named after those who helped draft and sign the U.S. Constitution.
• We’re a platinum-level bicycle friendly community, and we ride bicycles year-round — despite the snow. More than 200 miles of bike paths allow for endless exploration.
• A water fountain is often called a bubbler.
• You can get cheese curds at many local restaurants, but locals know they're fresh if they're squeaky.
• Friday nights are synonymous with fish fry.
• You may know Jump Around is a beloved Madison tradition. But did you know it registers on the Richter Scale?
• If you go to the Dane County Farmers' Market on the Capitol Square, it is customary to walk counter-clockwise around the Square. 

There is no shortage of ideas for fun in Madison:

• Check out our Things to Do page for seasonal entertainment, food, lakeside activities and more.
• Explore our Downtown page for tips on where to eat, drink and relax in the heart of the city.
• See what fests and fairs are being held in the area during your stay. 
• Sign up for Madison Experience Passes — Madison on Tap and Madison By Bike.
  • Use the Madison on Tap toolkit to promote the program to attendees.
• Give back by signing up for group voluntourism opportunities.

It is illegal in Wisconsin for anyone under 21 years old to consume alcohol in any quantity. To purchase alcohol in a bar, restaurant or store, you must be able to produce photographic identification that proves your age. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a serious offense in Wisconsin. The state prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver that has a .08 percent or above blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

In Wisconsin, the driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts at all times when traveling in a car. Any child too small to be protected by a seatbelt must be secured in a child safety seat.

Wisconsin law prohibits smoking in restaurants, bars, theaters, auditoriums, museums and most other public buildings.

Keep your eyes on the road, as Wisconsin has a texting ban for all drivers. We also recommend that you play it safe and use a hands-free controller if you must use a phone while on the road.

For additional information on state-by-state legislation (such as concealed carry) contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Emergencies

For all life-threatening medical, fire and police emergencies, call 911.

Non-Emergencies

City of Madison Police: (608) 261-9694
City of Madison Fire: (608) 266-4420

Dane County Sheriff's Office: 
Non-Emergency County Dispatch: (608) 266-4948
Non-Emergency City Dispatch: (608) 255-2345

Bank-card, bank-cash and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are located throughout the city. Members of participating banking networks and credit card companies can obtain U.S. currency by using an ATM card or credit card and a Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you need to exchange foreign currency, contact Travelex Currency Services at 1 S. Pinckney Street in Madison, (608) 259-8462.